Easy Spicy Paloma Mocktail
Spice up your beverage game with this easy and delicious Spicy Paloma Mocktail recipe. Made with fresh ingredients and just the right amount of kick, it's a perfect non-alcoholic alternative for parties or anytime you want to treat yourself.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 158kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Grapefruit simple syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup grapefruit juice (from about 1 to 2 large grapefruit or 2 to 3 smaller grapefruit) can use bottled unsweetened grapefruit juice
- Strips of zest from 1 grapefruit removed with a vegetable peeler
Individual Mocktails
- 2 ounces grapefruit simple syrup see above (4 tablespoons)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice from half a lime (2 tablespoons)
- 2 thin slices of fresh jalapeño adjust for desired spice
- Grapefruit soda or sparkling water
- Ice
- Sugar and Tajin or chili powder optional, for rim
- Grapefruit wedge and jalapeño slice for garnish
Instructions
Make grapefruit simple syrup
- In a small saucepan, add the sugar, grapefruit juice, and strips of grapefruit zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves. This usually takes about 5 minutes — no need to boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the zest and any pulp. Pour into a clean jar or bottle. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Making individual Paloma Mocktails
- If you like a fancy rim, run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass, then dip it into sugar mixed with tajin seasoning or chili powder.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the grapefruit simple syrup, lime juice, and jalapeño slices. Use a muddler to gently press and release the jalapeño’s spicy oils. If you like a sweeter Mocktail, you can add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup before shaking.
- Add ice to the shaker, then shake well for about 10 seconds to chill and combine the flavors.
- Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with grapefruit soda for a sweeter drink or bubbly water for a lighter option.
- Add a grapefruit wedge and a jalapeño slice for a fun, zesty touch.
Video
Notes
Tip: If you’re unsure about the spice level, start with fewer jalapeño slices and don’t muddle them, just shake with the other ingredients for a light kick— you can always add more heat to the next round.
Grapefruit soda: My favorite Mexican grapefruit soda is Grapefruit Jarritos, but Squirt Soda may be easier to find. If you can't find grapefruit soda or Squirt, you can use any sparkling soda you like. Sprite, 7-Up, or ginger ale would work great.
Control the Heat: Start with one or two jalapeño slices when muddling — you can always add more for extra kick! Removing the seeds will tone down the heat, but you can also just add strips of jalapeño, without the seeds, and shake without muddling to add a hint of heat.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter drink, add a little extra grapefruit simple syrup or a tablespoon of maple syrup and top off with grapefruit soda. For something more tart, squeeze in a bit more lime juice and use sparkling water.
Nutrition
Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.3mg
